CHAPTER 11

REFRIGERATION

SECTIONS 1101-1104

CHANGES FROM 2012 ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW

SECTION 1101

GENERAL

1101.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the design, installation, construction and repair of refrigeration systems that vaporize and liquefy a fluid during the refrigerating cycle. Refrigerant piping design and installation, including pressure vessels and pressure relief devices, shall conform to this code. Permanently installed refrigerant storage systems and other components shall be considered as part of the refrigeration system to which they are attached.

1101.2 Factory-built equipment and appliances.

Listed and labeled self-contained, factory-built equipment and appliances shall be tested in accordance with UL 207, 412, 471 or 1995. Such equipment and appliances are deemed to meet the design, manufacture and factory test requirements of this code if installed in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer's instructions.

1101.3 Protection.

Any portion of a refrigeration system that is subject to physical damage shall be protected in an approved manner. 1101.4 Water connection. Water supply and discharge connections associated with refrigeration systems shall be made in accordance with this code and the International Plumbing Code.

1101.5 Fuel gas connection. Fuel gas devices, equipment and appliances used with refrigeration systems shall be installed in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code.

1101.6General. Refrigeration systems shall comply with the requirements of this code and, except as modified by this code, ASHRAE 15. Ammonia-refrigerating systems shall comply with this code and, except as modified by this code, ASHRAE 15 and IIAR 2.

1101.7Maintenance.

Mechanical refrigeration systems shall be maintained in proper operating condition, free from accumulations of oil, dirt, waste, excessive corrosion, other debris and leaks.

1101.8 Change in refrigerant type. The type of refrigerant in refrigeration systems having a refrigerant circuit containing more than 220 pounds (99.8 kg) of Group A1 or 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of any other group refrigerant shall not be changed without prior notification to the code official and compliance with the applicable code provisions for the new refrigerant type.

[F] 1101.9 Refrigerant discharge. Notification of refrigerant discharge shall be provided in accordance with the International Fire Code.

1101.10 Locking access port caps. Refrigerant circuit access ports located outdoors shall be fitted with locking-type tamper-resistant caps or shall be otherwise secured to prevent unauthorized access.

Exception: This section shall not apply to refrigerant circuit access ports on equipment installed in controlled areas such as on roofs with locked access hatches or doors.

SECTION 1102 SYSTEM

REQUIREMENTS

1102.1 General. The system classification, allowable refrigerants, maximum quantity, enclosure requirements, location limitations, and field pressure test requirements shall be determined as follows:

1. Determine the refrigeration

system's classification, in accordance with Section 1103.3.

2. Determine the refrigerant

classification in accordance with

Section 1103.1.

3. Determine the maximum allowable quantity of refrigerant in

accordance with Section 1104, based on type of refrigerant, system classification and occupancy.

4. Determine the system enclosure requirements in accordance with Section 1104.

5. Refrigeration equipment and appliance location and installation shall be subject to the limitations of Chapter 3.

6. Nonfactory-tested, field-erected equipment and appliances shall

be pressure tested in accordance with Section 1108.

1102.2 Refrigerants. The refrigerant shall be that which the equipment or appliance was designed to utilize or converted to utilize. Refrigerants not identified in Table 1103.1 shall be approved before use.

1102.2.1 Mixing.

Refrigerants, including refrigerant blends, with different designations in ASHRAE 34 shall not be mixed in a system.

Exception: Addition of a second refrigerant is allowed where permitted by the equipment or appliance manufacturer to improve oil return at low temperatures. The refrigerant and amount added shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

1102.2.2 Purity. Refrigerants used in refrigeration systems shall be new, recovered or reclaimed refrigerants in accordance with Section 1102.2.2.1, 1102.2.2.2 or 1102.2.2.3. Where required by the equipment or appliance owner or the code official, the installer shall furnish a signed declaration that the refrigerant used meets the requirements of Section 1102.2.2.1, 1102.2.2.2 or 1102.2.2.3.

Exception: The refrigerant used shall meet the purity specifications set by the manufacturer of the equipment or appliance in which such refrigerant is used where such specifications are different from that specified in Sections 1102.2.2.1, 1102.2.2.2 and 1102.2.2.3.

1102.2.2.1 New refrigerants.

Refrigerants shall be of a purity level specified by the equipment or appliance manufacturer.

1102.2.2.2 Recovered refrigerants.

Refrigerants that are recovered from refrigeration and air-conditioning systems shall not be reused in other than the system from which they were recovered and in other systems of the same owner. Recovered refrigerants shall be filtered and dried before reuse. Recovered refrigerants that show clear signs of contamination shall not be reused unless reclaimed in accordance with Section 1102.2.2.3.

1102.2.2.3 Reclaimed refrigerants.

Used refrigerants shall not be reused in a different owner's equipment or appliances unless tested and found to meet the purity requirements of ARI 700. Contaminated refrigerants shall

not be used unless reclaimed and found to meet the purity requirements of ARI 700.

1102.3 Access port protection.

Refrigerant access ports shall be protected in accordance with Section 1101.10 whenever refrigerant is added to or recovered from refrigeration or air-conditioning systems.

SECTION 1103

REFRIGERATION SYSTEM CLASSIFICATION

1103.1 Refrigerant classification.

Refrigerants shall be classified in accordance with ASHRAE 34 as listed in Table 1103.1.

[F] TABLE 1103.1

REFRIGERANT CLASSIFICATION, AMOUNT AND OEL

CHEMICAL REFRIGERANT

FORMULA

CHEMICAL NAME OF

BLEND

REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION

[M]AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER OCCUPIED SPACE

[F] DEGREES

OF a

HAZARD

Pounds per 1,000 cubic feet

ppm 3

g/m e

OEL

d R-11

CCl F 3

trichlorofluoromet hane

A1 0.39 1,100 6.2 C1,000 b

2-0-0

d R-12

CCl F 2 2

dichlorodifluorom ethane

A1 5.6 18,000 90 1,000 b

2-0-0

d R-13

CClF 3

chlorotrifluoromet hane

A1 — — — 1,000 b

2-0-0

d R-13B1

CBrF 3

bromotrifluorome thane

A1 — — — 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-14 CF

4

tetrafluorometha ne (carbon tetrafluoride)

A1

25

110,000

400

1,000 b

2-0-0

R-22 CHClF

2 chlorodifluoromet hane

A1 13 59,000 210 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-23 CHF

3 trifluoromethane (fluoroform)

A1 7.3 41,000 120 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-32 CH F

2 2

difluoromethane (methylene fluoride)

f A2

4.8

36,000

77

1,000

1-4-0

d R-113

CCl FCClF 2

2

1,1,2-trichloro-1, 2,2-trifluoroethan e

A1

1.2

2,600

20

1,000 b

2-0-0

d R-114

CClF CClF 2 2

1,2-dichloro-1,1,2

,2-tetrafluoroetha ne

A1

8.7

20,000

140

1,000 b

2-0-0

R-115 CClF CF

2 3 chloropentafluoro ethane

A1 47 120,000 760 1,000 —

R-116 CF CF

3 3 hexafluoroethane A1 34 97,000 550 1,000 1-0-0

R-123 CHCl CF

2 3 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1 -trifluoroethane

B1 3.5 9,100 57 50 b

2-0-0

CHEMICAL REFRIGERANT

FORMULA

CHEMICAL NAME OF BLEND

REFRIGERANT CLASSIFICATION

AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER OCCUPIED SPACE

[F] DEGREES

OF a

HAZARD

Pounds per 1,000 cubic feet

ppm 3

g/m e

OEL

R-124 CHClFCF

3 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluor oethane

A1 3.5 10,000 56 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-125 CHF CF

2 3 pentafluoroethane A1 23 75,000 370 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-134a CH FCF

2 3 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane A1 13 50,000 210 1,000

b 2-0-0

R-141b CH CCl F

3 2 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethan e

— 0.78 2,600 12 500 2-1-0

R-142b CH CClF

3 2 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethan e

A2 5.1 20,000 83 1,000 2-4-0

R-143a CH CF

3 3 1,1,1-trifluoroethane

f A2

4.5 21,000 70 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-152a CH CHF

3 2 1,1-difluoroethane A2 2.0 12,000 32 1,000 1-4-0

R-170 CH CH

3 3 ethane A3 0.54 7,000 8.7 1,000 2-4-0

R-E170 CH OCH

3 3 Methoxymethane (dimethyl ether)

A3 1.0 8,500 16 1,000 —

CHEMICAL

REFRIGERANT

FORMULA

CHEMICAL NAME OF BLEND

REFRIGE RANT

CLASSIFI CATION

AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER OCCUPIED SPACE

[F] DEGREES

OF a

HAZARD

Pounds per 1,000 cubic feet

ppm 3

g/m e

OEL

R-227ea CF CHFCF 3 3 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane A1 36 84,000 580 1,000 —

R-236fa CF CH CF

3 2 3 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane A1 21 55,000 340 1,000

b 2-0-0

R-245fa

CHF CH C 2 2 F

3

1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane

B1

12

34,000

190

300

b

2-0-0

R-290 CH CH CH

3 2 3

propane

A3

0.56

5,300

9.5

1,000

2-4-0

R-C318 -(CF ) -

2 4 octafluorocyclobutane A1 41 80,000 660 1,000 —

d R-400 zeotrope R-12/114 (50.0/50.0) A1 10 28,000 160 1,000

b 2-0-0

d R-400 zeotrope R-12/114 (60.0/40.0) A1 11 30,000 170 1,000

R-401A zeotrope R-22/152a/124 (53.0/13.0/34.0) A1 6.6 27,000 110 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-218

CF CF CF

3 2

3

octafluoropropane

A1

43

90,000

690

1,000

b 2-0-0

(continued)

TABLE 1103.1-continued REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION, AMOUNT AND OEL

CHEMICAL

REFRIGERANT

FORMULA

CHEMICAL NAME

OF BLEND

REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION

AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER OCCUPIED SPACE

[F]DEGREES OF

a HAZARD

Pounds per

1,000 cubic feet

ppm

3 g/m

e OEL

R-401B zeotrope R-22/152a/124 (61.0/11.0/28.0)

A1 7.2 30,000 120 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-401C zeotrope R-22/152a/124 (33.0/15.0/52.0)

A1 5.2 20,000 84 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-402A zeotrope R-125/290/22 (60.0/2.0/38.0)

A1 17 66,000 270 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-402B zeotrope R-125/290/22 (38.0/2.0/60.0)

A1 15 63,000 240 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-403A zeotrope R-290/22/218 (5.0/75.0/20.0)

A2 7.6 33,000 120 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-403B zeotrope R-290/22/218 (5.0/56.0/39.0)

A1 18 70,000 290 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-404A zeotrope R-125/143a/134a (44.0/52.0/4.0)

A1 31 130,000 500 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-405A zeotrope R-22/152a/142b/C318 (45.0/7.0/5.5/2.5)

— 16 57,000 260 1,000 —

R-406A zeotrope R-22/600a/142b (55.0/4.0/41.0)

A2 4.7 21,000 25 1,000 —

R-407A zeotrope R-32/125/134a (20.0/40.0/40.0)

A1 19 83,000 300 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-407B zeotrope R-32/125/134a (10.0/70.0/20.0)

A1 21 79,000 330 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-407C zeotrope R-32/125/134a (23.0/25.0/52.0)

A1 18 81,000 290 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-407D zeotrope R-32/125/134a (15.0/15.0/70.0)

A1 16 68,000 250 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-407E zeotrope R-32/125/134a (25.0/15.0/60.0)

A1 17 80,000 280 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-407F zeotrope R-32/125/134a (30.0/30.0/40.0)

A1 20 95,000 320 1,000 —

R-408A zeotrope R-125/143a/22 (7.0/46.0/47.0)

A1 21 95,000 340 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-409A zeotrope R-22/124/142b (60.0/25.0/15.0)

A1 7.1 29,000 110 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-409B zeotrope R-22/124/142b (65.0/25.0/10.0)

A1 7.3 30,000 120 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-410A zeotrope R-32/125 (50.0/50.0) A1 26 140,000 420 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-410B zeotrope R-32/125 (45.0/55.0) A1 27 140,000 430 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-411A zeotrope R-127/22/152a (1.5/87.5/11.0)

A2 2.9 14,000 46 990 —

CHEMICAL REFRIGERANT

FORMULA CHEMICAL NAME OF

BLEND REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER

OCCUPIED SPACE [F]

DEGREES

Pounds per

1,000 cubic feet

ppm

3 g/m

e OEL

OF a

HAZARD

R-411B zeotrope R-1270/22/152a (3.0/94.0/3.0)

A2 2.8 13,000 45 980 —

R-412A zeotrope R-22/218/142b (70.0/5.0/25.0)

A2 5.1 22,000 82 1,000 —

R-413A zeotrope R-218/134a/600a (9.0/88.0/3.0)

A2 5.8 22,000 94 1,000 —

R-414A zeotrope R-22/124/600a/142b (51.0/28.5/4.0/16.5)

A1 6.4 26,000 100 1,000 —

R-414B zeotrope R-22/124/600a/142b (50.0/39.0/1.5/9.5)

A1 6.0 23,000 95 1,000 —

R-415A zeotrope R-22/152a (82.0/18.0) A2 2.9 14,000 47 1,000 —

R-415B zeotrope R-22/152a (25.0/75.0) A2 2.1 12,000 34 1,000 —

R-416A zeotrope R-134a/124/600 (59.0/39.5/1.5)

A1 3.9 14,000 62 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-417A zeotrope R-125/134a/600 (46.6/50.0/3.4)

A1 3.5 13,000 56 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-417B zeotrope R-125/134a/600 (79.0/18.3/2.7)

A1 4.3 15,000 70 1,000 —

R-418A zeotrope R-290/22/152a (1.5/96.0/2.5)

A2 4.8 22,000 77 1000 —

(continued)

TABLE 1103.1-continued REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION, AMOUNT AND OEL

CHEMICAL

REFRIGERANT

FORMULA

CHEMICAL NAME OF

BLEND

REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION

AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER OCCUPIED SPACE

[F]DEGREES OF

a HAZARD

Pounds per

1,000 cubic feet

ppm

3 g/m

e OEL

R-419A zeotrope R-125/134a/E170 (77.0/19.0/4.0)

A2 4.2 15,000 67 1,000 —

R-420A zeotrope R-134a/142b (88.0/12.0) A1 12 45,000 190 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-421A zeotrope R-125/134a (58.0/42.0) A1 17 61,000 280 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-421B zeotrope R-125/134a (85.0/15.0) A1 21 69,000 330 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-422A zeotrope R-125/134a/600a (85.1/11.5/3.4)

A1 18 63,000 290 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-422B zeotrope R-125/134a/600a (55.0/42.0/3.0)

A1 16 56,000 250 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-422C zeotrope R-125/134a/600a (82.0/15.0/3.0)

A1 18 62,000 290 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-422D zeotrope R-125/134a/600a (65.1/31.5/3.4)

A1 16 58,000 260 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-423A zeotrope R-134a/227ea (52.5/47.5) A1 19 59,000 310 1,000 c

2-0-0

R-424A zeotrope R-125/134a/600a/600/601a (50.5/47.0/0.9/1.0/0.6)

A1 6.2 23,000 100 970 b

2-0-0

R-425A zoetrope R-32/134a/227ea (18.5/69.5/12.0)

A1 16 72,000 260 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-426A zeotrope R-125/134a/600a/601a (5.1/93.0/1.3/0.6)

A1 5.2 20,000 83 990 —

R-427A zeotrope R-32/125/143a/134a (15.0/25.0/10.0/50.0)

A1 18 79,000 290 1,000 2-1-0

R-428A zeotrope R-125/143a/290/600a (77.5/20.0/0.6/1.9)

A1 23 83,000 370 1,000 —

R-429A zeotrope R-E170/152a/600a (60.0/10.0/30.0)

A3 0.81 6,300 13 1,000 —

R-430A zeotrope R-152a/600a (76.0/24.0) A3 1.3 8,000 21 1,000 —

R-431A zeotrope R-290/152a (71.0/29.0) A3 0.69 5,500 11 1,000 —

R-432A zeotrope R-1270/E170 (80.0/20.0) A3 0.13 1,200 2.1 700 —

R-433A zeotrope R-1270/290 (30.0/70.0) A3 0.34 3,100 5.5 880 —

R-433B zeotrope R-1270/290 (5.0-95.0) A3 0.51 4,500 8.1 950 —

R-433C zeotrope R-1270/290 (25.0-75.0) A3 0.41 3,600 6.6 790 —

R-434A zeotrope R-125/143a/600a (63.2/18.0/16.0/2.8)

A1 20 73,000 320 1,000 —

R-435A zeotrope R-E170/152a (80.0/20.0) A3 1.1 8,500 17 1,000 —

R-436A zeotrope R-290/600a (56.0/44.0) A3 0.50 4,000 8.1 1,000 —

R-436B zeotrope R-290/600a (52.0/48.0) A3 0.51 4,000 8.1 1,000 —

CHEMICAL

REFRIGERANT

FORMULA

CHEMICAL NAME OF

BLEND

REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION

AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER OCCUPIED SPACE

[F]

DEGREES OF

a HAZARD

Pounds per

1,000

cubic feet

ppm

3 g/m

e OEL

R-437A zeotrope R-125/134a/600/601 (19.5/78.5/1.4/0.6)

A1 5.0 19,000 82 990 —

R-438A zeotrope R-32/125/134a/600/601a (8.5/45.0/44.2/1.7/0.6)

A1 4.9 20,000 79 990 —

R-439A zeotrope R-32/125/600a (50.0/47.0/3.0) A2 4.7 26,000 76 990 —

R-440A zeotrope R-290/134a/152a (0.6/1.6/97.8)

A2 1.9 12,000 31 1,000 —

R-441A zeotrope R-170/290/600a/600 (3.1/54.8/6.0/36.1)

A3 0.39 3,200 6.3 1,000 —

R-442A zeotrope R-32/125/134a/152a/227ea (31.0/31.0/30.0/3.0/5.0)

A1 21 100,000 330 1,000 —

(continued)

TABLE 1103.1-continued REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION, AMOUNT AND OEL

CHEMICAL REFRIGERANT

FORMULA

CHEMICAL NAME OF BLEND

REFRIGERANT CLASSIFICATION

AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER OCCUPIED SPACE

[F]

DEGREES OF

a HAZARD

Pounds per

1,000 cubic feet

ppm

3 g/m

e OEL

e R-500 azeotrope R-12/152a (73.8/26.2) A1 7.6 30,000 120 1,000

b 2-0-0

d R-501 azeotrope R-22/12 (75.0/25.0) A1 13 54,000 210 1,000 —

e R-502 azeotrope R-22/115 (48.8/51.2) A1 21 73,000 330 1,000

b 2-0-0

e R-503 azeotrope R-23/13 (40.1/59.9) — — — — 1,000

b 2-0-0

d R-504 azeotrope R-32/115 (48.2/51.8) — 28 140,000 450 1,000 —

R-507A azeotrope R-125/143a (50.0/50.0) A1 32 130,000 520 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-508A azeotrope R-23/116 (39.0/61.0) A1 14 55,000 220 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-508B azeotrope R-23/116 (46.0/54.0) A1 13 52,000 200 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-509A azeotrope R-22/218 (44.0/56.0) A1 24 75,000 390 1,000 b

2-0-0

R-510A azeotrope R-E170/600a (88.0/12.0)

A3 0.87 7,300 14 1,000 —

R-511A azeotrope R-290/E170 (95.0/5.0) A3 0.59 5,300 9.5 1,000 —

R-512A azeotrope R-134a/152a (5.0/95.0) A2 1.9 11,000 31 1,000 —

R-600

CH CH CH C 3 2 2

H 3

butane

A3

0.15

1,000

2.4

1,000

1-4-0

CHEMICAL

REFRIGERANT

FORMULA

CHEMICAL NAME

OF BLEND

REFRIGERANT

CLASSIFICATION

AMOUNT OF REFRIGERANT PER OCCUPIED SPACE

[F]

DEGREES OF

a HAZARD

Pounds per

1,000

cubic feet

ppm

3 g/m

e OEL

R-600a CH(CH ) CH

3 2 3 2-methylpropane (isobutane)

A3 0.59 4,000 9.6 1,000 2-4-0

R-601

CH CH CH CH CH 3 2 2 2

3

pentane

A3

0.18

1,000

2.9

600

—

R-601a (CH ) CHCH CH 3 2 2 3

2-methylbutane (isopentane)

A3 0.18 1,000 2.9 600 —

R-717 NH

3 ammonia

f B2 0.014 320 0.22 25

c 3-3-0

R-718 H O 2 water A1 — — — — 0-0-0

R-744 CO

2 carbon dioxide A1 4.5 40,000 72 5,000 b

2-0-0

R-1150 CH =CH

2 2 ethene (ethylene) A3 — — — 200 1-4-2

R-1234yf CF CF=CH 3 2

2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro- 1 propene

f A2 4.7 16,000 75 500 —

R-1234ze(E) CF CH=CHF 3

trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafl uoro-1-propene

f A2 4.7 16,000 75 800 —

R-1270 CH CH=CH 3 2

Propene (propylene)

A3 0.1 1,000 1.7 500 1-4-1

3 For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m . a. Degrees of hazard are for health, fire, and reactivity, respectively, in accordance with NFPA 704.

b. Reduction to 1-0-0 is allowed if analysis satisfactory to the code official shows that the maximum concentration for a rupture or full loss of refrigerant charge would not exceed the IDLH, considering both the refrigerant quantity and room volume.

c. For installations that are entirely outdoors, use 3-1-0. d. Class I ozone depleting substance; prohibited for new installations.

e. Occupational Exposure Limit based on the OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV-TWA, the AIHA WEEL or consistent value on a time-weighted average (TWA) basis (unless noted C for ceiling) for an 8 hr/d and 40 hr/wk. f. The ASHRAE Standard 34 flammability classification for this refrigerant is 2L, which is a subclass of Class 2.

1103.2 Occupancy classification.

Locations of refrigerating systems are described by occupancy classifications that consider the ability of people to respond to potential exposure to refrigerants. Where equipment or appliances, other than piping, are located outside a building and within 20 feet (6096 mm) of any building opening, such equipment or appliances shall be governed by the occupancy classification of the building. Occupancy classifications shall be defined as follows:

1. Institutional occupancy is that portion of premises from which occupants cannot readily

leave without the assistance of others because they are disabled, debilitated or confined. Institutional occupancies include, among others, hospitals, nursing homes, asylums and spaces containing locked cells.

2. Public assembly occupancy is that portion of premises where large numbers of people

congregate and from which occupants cannot quickly vacate the space. Public assembly

occupancies include, among others, auditoriums, ballrooms, classrooms, passenger depots, restaurants and theaters.

3. Residential occupancy is that portion of premises that provides the occupants with

complete independent living facilities, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. Residential occupancies include, among others, dormitories, hotels, multiunit apartments and private residences.

4. Commercial occupancy is that portion of premises where people transact business,

receive personal service or purchase food and other goods. Commercial occupancies include, among others, office and professional buildings, markets (but not large mercantile occupancies) and work or storage areas that do not qualify as industrial occupancies.

5. Large mercantile occupancy is that portion of premises where more than 100 persons

congregate on levels above or below street level to purchase personal merchandise.

6. Industrial occupancy is that portion of premises that is not open to the public, where

access by authorized persons is controlled, and that is used to manufacture, process or store goods such as chemicals, food, ice, meat or petroleum.

7. Mixed occupancy occurs where two or more occupancies are located within the same

building. Where each occupancy is isolated from the rest of the building by tight walls, floors and ceilings and by self-closing doors, the requirements for each occupancy shall apply to its portion of the building. Where the various occupancies are not so isolated, the occupancy having the most stringent requirements shall be the governing occupancy.

1103.3 System classification.

Refrigeration systems shall be classified according to the degree of probability that refrigerant leaked from a failed connection, seal or component could enter an occupied area. The distinction is based on the basic design or location of the components.

1103.3.1 Low-probability systems.

Double-indirect open-spray systems, indirect closed systems and indirect vented closed systems shall be classified as low-probability systems, provided that all refrigerant-containing piping and fittings are isolated when the quantities in Table 1103.1 are exceeded.

1103.3.2 High-probability systems.

Direct systems and indirect open-spray systems shall be classified as high-probability systems.

Exception: An indirect open-spray system shall not be required to be classified as a high-probability system if the pressure of the secondary coolant is at all times (operating and standby) greater than the pressure of the refrigerant.

SECTION 1104

SYSTEM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1104.1 General.

The refrigerant, occupancy and system classification cited in this section shall be determined in accordance with Sections 1103.1, 1103.2 and 1103.3, respectively.

1104.2 Machinery room.

Except as provided in Sections 1104.2.1 and 1104.2.2, all components containing the refrigerant shall be located either outdoors or in a machinery room where the quantity of refrigerant in an independent circuit of a system exceeds the amounts shown in Table 1103.1. For refrigerant blends not listed in Table 1103.1, the same requirement shall apply when the amount for any blend component exceeds that indicated in Table 1103.1 for that component. This requirement shall also apply when the combined amount of the blend components exceeds a limit of 69,100 parts per million (ppm) by volume. Machinery rooms required by this section shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with Section 1105 for Group A1 and B1 refrigerants and in accordance with Sections 1105 and 1106 for Group A2, B2, A3 and B3 refrigerants.

Exceptions:

1. Machinery rooms are not required for listed equipment and appliances containing not

more than 6.6 pounds (3 kg) of refrigerant, regardless of the refrigerant's safety classification, where installed in accordance with the equipment's or appliance's listing and the equipment or appliance manufacturer's installation instructions.

2. Piping in conformance with Section 1107 is allowed in other locations to connect

components installed in a machinery room with those installed outdoors.

1104.2.1 Institutional occupancies.

The amounts shown in Table 1103.1 shall be reduced by 50 percent for all areas of institutional occupancies except kitchens, laboratories and mortuaries. The total of all Group A2, B2, A3 and B3 refrigerants shall not exceed 550 pounds (250 kg) in occupied areas or machinery rooms.

1104.2.2 Industrial occupancies and refrigerated rooms.

This section applies only to industrial occupancies and refrigerated rooms for manufacturing, food and beverage preparation, meat cutting, other processes and storage. Machinery rooms are not required where all of the following conditions are met:

1. The space containing the machinery is

separated from other occupancies by tight construction with tight-fitting doors.

2. Access is restricted to authorized

personnel.

2

3. The floor area per occupant is not less than 100 square feet (9.3 m ) where machinery

is located on floor levels with exits more than 6.6 feet (2012 mm) above the ground. Where provided with egress directly to the outdoors or into approved building exits, the minimum floor area shall not apply.

4. Refrigerant detectors are installed as required for machinery rooms in accordance with

Section 1105.3.

5. Surfaces having temperatures exceeding 800°F (427°C) and open flames are not

present where any Group A2, B2, A3 or B3 refrigerant is used (see Section 1104.3.4).

6. All electrical equipment and appliances conform to Class 1, Division 2, hazardous

location classification requirements of NFPA 70 where the quantity of any Group A2, B2, A3 or B3 refrigerant, other than ammonia, in a single independent circuit would exceed 25 percent of the lower flammability limit (LFL) upon release to the space.

7. All refrigerant-containing parts in systems exceeding 100 horsepower (hp) (74.6 kW)

drive power, except evaporators used for refrigeration or dehumidification; condensers used for heating; control and pressure relief valves for either; and connecting piping, shall be located either outdoors or in a machinery room.

1104.3 Refrigerant restrictions.

Refrigerant applications, maximum quantities and use shall be restricted in accordance with Sections 1104.3.1 through 1104.3.4.

1104.3.1 Air-conditioning for human comfort.

In other than industrial occupancies where the quantity in a single independent circuit does not exceed the amount in Table 1103.1, Group B1, B2 and B3 refrigerants shall not be used in high-probability systems for air-conditioning for human comfort.

1104.3.2 Nonindustrial occupancies.

Group A2 and B2 refrigerants shall not be used in high-probability systems where the quantity of refrigerant in any independent refrigerant circuit exceeds the amount shown in Table 1104.3.2. Group A3 and B3 refrigerants shall not be used except where approved.

Exception: This section does not apply to laboratories where the floor area per occupant

2

is not less than 100 square feet (9.3 m ).

TABLE 1104.3.2

MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE QUANTITIES OF REFRIGERANTS

TYPE OF REFRIGERATION

SYSTEM MAXIMUM POUNDS FOR VARIOUS OCCUPANCIES

Institutional Assembly Residential All other occupancies

Sealed absorption system

0

0

3.3

3.3 In exit access In adjacent outdoor locations 0 0 22 22 In other than exit access 0 6.6 6.6 6.6

Unit systems In other than exit access

0

0

6.6

6.6

For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg.

1104.3.3 All occupancies.

The total of all Group A2, B2, A3 and B3 refrigerants other than R-717, ammonia, shall not exceed 1,100 pounds (499 kg) except where approved.

1104.3.4 Protection from refrigerant decomposition.

Where any device having an open flame or surface temperature greater than 800°F (427°C) is used in a room containing more than 6.6 pounds (3 kg) of refrigerant in a single independent circuit, a hood and exhaust system shall be provided in accordance with Section 510. Such exhaust system shall exhaust combustion products to the outdoors.

Exception: A hood and exhaust system shall not be required where any of the following apply:

1. The refrigerant is R-717, R-718 or R-744.

2. The combustion air is ducted from the outdoors in a manner that prevents leaked refrigerant from being combusted.

3. A refrigerant detector is used to stop the combustion in the event of a refrigerant leak (see Sections 1105.3 and 1105.5).

1104.4 Volume calculations.

Volume calculations shall be in accordance with Sections 1104.4.1 through 1104.4.3.

1104.4.1 Noncommunicating spaces.

Where the refrigerant-containing parts of a system are located in one or more spaces that do not communicate through permanent openings or HVAC ducts, the volume of the smallest, enclosed occupied space shall be used to determine the permissible quantity of refrigerant in the system.

1104.2 Communicating spaces.

Where an evaporator or condenser is located in an air duct system, the volume of the smallest, enclosed occupied space served by the duct system shall be used to determine the maximum allowable quantity of refrigerant in the system.

Exception: If airflow to any enclosed space cannot be reduced below one-quarter of its maximum, the entire space served by the air duct system shall be used to determine the maximum allowable quantity of refrigerant in the system.

1104.3 Plenums.

Where the space above a suspended ceiling is continuous and part of the supply or return air plenum system, this space shall be included in calculating the volume of the enclosed space.

Supplementary Materials:

The Basic Refrigerant Cycle:

Basic refrigeration system:

Starting at the compressor; Low-pressure vapor refrigerant is compressed and

discharged out of the compressor.

The refrigerant at this point is a high temperature, high pressure, superheated

vapor.

The high-pressure refrigerant flows to the condenser by way of the "Discharge

Line".

The condenser changes the high-pressure refrigerant from a high temperature

vapor to a low temperature liquid and leaves through the "Liquid Line".

The high-pressure refrigerant then flows through a filter dryer to the Thermal

Expansion valve or TXV.

The TXV meters the correct amount of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator.

As the TXV meters the refrigerant, the high-pressure liquid changes to a low

pressure, low temperature, and saturated vapor.

This saturated vapor enters the evaporator and is changed to a low-pressure

dry vapor.

The low-pressure dry vapor is then returned to the compressor in the "Suction

line".

The cycle then starts over.

Troubleshooting Capillaries

Cap tube malfunction due to being partially or completely restricted.

Conditions that effect cap tube performance

are:

Low Suction

Starved Evaporator

Causes:

o Refrigerant shortage

o Too much oil in circulation

o Low head pressure

o Plugged drier

o Symptoms:

o Flooding

Increased suction pressure

Causes:

High head pressure

Excessive sub cooling

Refrigerant overcharge

Troubleshooting Expansion Valves

Common Problems:

Flooding (overfeeding)

Starving (underfeeding)

Hunting (Erratic)

Flooding

Symptom: No Superheat

Causes:

Valve sticking in open position

Improper superheat setting on valve

Improper valve bulb location

Wrong type of valve for refrigerant used

Loose expansion valve bulb

Light load

Excess oil in system

Starving

Symptom: High Superheat

Causes:

Valve sticking in closed position

Loss of charge in power element

Wrong type of valve for refrigerant used

Refrigerant under charge

Improper superheat setting on valve

Plugged drier

Plugged Refrigerant distributor

Improper valve bulb location

Plugged equalizer line